Dehydrating Strawberries
Air Fryer or Dehydrator Style:
Make Sweet, Crispy Magic Fast!

Dehydrating strawberries - air fryer or dehydrator style - is a great way to preserve strawberries -  aside from freezing, or using a regular oven, so you can enjoy strawberries year-round! 

✅ Quick Answer: How do you dehydrate strawberries in an air fryer?
To dehydrate strawberries in an air fryer, slice them 1/8–1/4 inch thick, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray or wire rack, and set the air fryer to 135°F if possible. Dry for 2.5 to 6 hours, checking for leathery, non-sticky texture.

Honestly? An electric dehydrator is my preferred way of drying things but using an air fryer caught my attention!

Disclaimer: I now own two air fryers (and Amazon thanks me...)

This guide shows you how Sam dehydrates strawberries using an air fryer, and little old me using a dehydrator—fast, fun, flavorful, and no freezer required. Learn the step-by-step process, ideal temps, and the best storage tips for long-lasting, sweet snacks.

Samantha from RecipeThis dried strawberries in Ninja FoodiNOT A VIDEO: This is a screenshot of Samantha from RecipeThis.com and dried strawberries in her Ninja Foodi

(Watch Samantha's video just a little further down the page).

As a lover of fruit, I'm always looking for ways to extend the shelf life of seasonal fruits (and vegetables). 

Parfait - strawberries, blueberries, Greek yogurt, granola

I eat a handful of strawberries pretty much every day, since my newest binge food is a Greek yogurt strawberry parfait... with blueberries!

Why Dehydrating Strawberries Air Fryer Style Are Your New Favorite Snack

  • Quick and efficient - Air fryers typically dry strawberries faster than traditional dehydrators or ovens
  • Energy-efficient - Uses less electricity than a full-sized oven
  • Space-saving - Takes up less counter space than a bulky dehydrator
  • Even drying - Circulating hot air provides consistent results
  • Retains nutrients - The quick drying process helps preserve vitamins and antioxidants
  • Enhances flavor - Concentrates the natural sweetness of strawberries
  • Versatile snack - Creates a portable, shelf-stable fruit for snacking or baking

Versatility in Recipes

Dried strawberries are a tasty addition to granola, oatmeal, or muffin batter—bringing concentrated flavor to every bite. They also shine in savory dishes, adding a sweet touch to salads and pairing perfectly with goat cheese on a charcuterie board.

When a Recipe Calls for "Fresh"... Do This:

Don't want to eat dried strawberries and your recipe calls for fresh? Do this:

Rehydrating dried strawberries is simple. In a bowl, add clean cool water to them and in a few minutes they're ready to use in sauces or compôtes.

It's as good as eating fresh strawberries!

Organic vs. Regular: Which Strawberries Are Best for Drying?

Organic strawberries are grown without synthetic pesticides, which is appealing if you’re concerned about chemical residues—but they often cost more and don’t last as long. Regular strawberries are cheaper and easier to find.

Personally, I prioritize freshness and ripeness over the organic label to get the best value.

Samantha's Air Fryer Strawberries

At five minutes into this video from RecipeThis, Samantha uses a stacking wire rack (from Amazon) for use inside her Ninja Foodi. Very interesting! (Nice to know that Sam and her husband, Dom, are from the next county over from where I was born! Sam and Dom: Yorkshire. Me: Lancashire... small world!)

NOTE: I was surprised to see Sam spray her strawberries with extra virgin olive oil, but hey, don't knock it 'til you've tried it. She adds extra sweetness with Stevia.

Olive Oil on Strawberries? A Tasty Twist to Try

Here's me doing the same thing, but drying my strawberries with my Elite Gourmet dehydrator. I do have two air fryers but neither of them go low enough - temperature-wise - so I used my smallest dehydrator instead.

I only had a handful of strawberries to demo with, sorry about that!

Dried strawberries on Elite Gourmet dehydrator

How to Choose the Best Strawberries for Dehydrating

I always look for fresh, ripe strawberries when I'm planning to dehydrate them (or not!). I do prefer locally grown summer strawberries as they're often sweeter and more flavorful.

When picking out a punnet of strawberries, I check for:

  • Bright red color
  • Fresh, green leaves
  • Firm texture
  • Sweet aroma

I avoid berries with white or green patches, as they're not fully ripe. And let's skip strawberries that are very dark red. It means they're overripe - and often mushy - so those strawberries aren't ideal for dehydrating either (but they're totally suitable in smoothies!)

OXO-brand strawberry hullerMy OXO-brand strawberry huller

How to Prep Strawberries Like a Pro

Gently wash the berries and pat them dry thoroughly as excess moisture will affect the drying process by taking longer. Not a surprise there, right?

Next, I remove the green tops and stems. I use a great strawberry huller (Amazon Affiliate link, thanks!) to do that as I don't want to cut off the tops like some people do. To me, that's wasting part of the strawberry. And the huller is fun, and much easier to use than finger nails!

For uniform drying, I slice the strawberries into even pieces, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

Consistent thickness helps all pieces dry at the same rate, but don't obsess over it!

Four Steps Easy Preparation:

  1. Wash and dry berries
  2. Remove stems and leaves
  3. Slice evenly (1/4 inch thick)
  4. Arrange in a single layer (whether in a dehydrator, oven, or air fryer)

And to me, that's where an air fryer falls short. How so? Compare the small surface area of an air fryer to that of a dehydrator tray.

So how do you get around the air fryer's diminutive size? By using a stacking wire rack shown below.

Goldlion Dehydrator Rack

Here's a link to the wire basket: Goldlion Dehydrator Rack for Ninja Foodi (Amazon Affiliate link, thanks).

Step-by-Step: Dehydrate Strawberries in an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to dehydrate strawberries is a relatively new method—but it’s fast, energy-efficient, and surprisingly effective. It dries strawberries quicker than a dehydrator or oven, using less electricity. Win-win!

🍓 Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Strawberries

  • Slice strawberries evenly—between 1/8" and 1/4" thick.
  • Use a wire rack* to boost airflow and maximize space.
  • Remove when they feel leathery—not sticky or moist.

Prep as mentioned earlier: Wash and dry your strawberries thoroughly. Remove the stems, then slice the berries into even pieces—around 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick—for consistent drying.

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper if you're using just the standard tray. Lay the slices in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.

*If you’re using a stacking wire rack like Sam’s in her Ninja Foodi, set your air fryer to its lowest possible temperature—ideally 135°F (57°C). If that’s not an option, go with 180°F (82°C)—though I think 180°F is too high. Still, give it a try and monitor closely!

💡 Tip: Outside the U.S.? Most dehydrating temps here are listed in Fahrenheit — use our quick converter to see the Celsius equivalent for your machine.

Why Lower Temps Work Best for Dried Strawberries

If you dry certain foods at 180°F, you run the risk of 'case hardening' which happens when the skin/outer part of the food dries too fast and creates a tough exterior.

Why is this an undesirable thing? Because you run the risk of the inside of the food remaining moist. So what? Well, moisture breeds germs. We don't want germs in the center of our dried foods, right? That's why you dry fruits and veggies at much lower temperatures. Now you know why I'm hesitant to use an air fryer whose lowest setting isn't LOW ENOUGH.

Back to the air fryer: Let the strawberries dry for several hours, checking them periodically. You can gauge their progress by gently touching them to see how moist they are.

Strawberries are done when they feel leathery and don't have any sticky spots.

One advantage of using an air fryer over a traditional dehydrator is the faster drying time. However, you need to be more attentive to prevent over-drying.

Determining the Drying Time and Temperature

Obviously, the drying time will vary depending on the moisture content of the strawberries and the air fryer's capabilities.

An electric dehydrator usually takes 6-8 hours at 135°F. But in Sam's YouTube video, she says her strawberries only took 2.5 hours in her Ninja Foodi (using the stacking wire rack, and the Ninja Foodi air fryer lid!) That's A. Lot. Faster.

Heck I can feel an Amazon Ninja Foodi + wire rack purchase coming on strong...

Storage Secrets to Keep Dried Strawberries Fresh for Months

Empty Mason jars with lids

I always make sure to store my dehydrated strawberries in airtight containers. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids (known as Mason jars) or vacuum-sealed bags work well.

It's essential to keep moisture out as it can lead to mold growth and spoilage. So add an oxygen absorber in the bag (or Mason jar) before drawing out the air.

I prefer to store my dried strawberries in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Exposure to light degrades dried food's color and nutrients over time.

Extending Shelf Life

To keep dehydrated strawberries shelf-stable, let them cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and spoilage. Use vacuum-sealer bags—not Ziplocs—for best results. They’ll last 6–12 months at room temp, longer in the fridge. I skip freezing, though, since freezers are moist and can undo all that drying work.

Delicious Ways to Use Your Dried Strawberries

Dehydrated strawberries add a flavorful punch to granola, energy bars, and frostings. For a fun twist, crush them into biscuit dough for a strawberry shortcake with bold, fruity bursts in every bite.

Dehydrated Strawberries as a Trail Mix Add-In

Dried strawberries are ideal for backpacking—lightweight, durable, and full of flavor. They won’t get squished like fresh fruit and pair perfectly with almonds, coconut flakes, and dark chocolate chips for a tasty trail mix boost.

FAQs: Air Fryer Dried Strawberries – Common Questions Answered

Dehydrating strawberries in an air fryer offers a quick and convenient way to create delicious dried fruit snacks. This method provides great results with some experimentation. Here are some common questions about the process.

How long does it take to dehydrate strawberries in an air fryer?

Most air fryers take about 2.5 to 6 hours depending on thickness and moisture level. Use 135°F if available, and check halfway through to prevent over-drying.

In Sam's case from RecipeThis.com, she states hers took only 2.5 hours.

Drying time can vary depending on the thickness of your strawberry slices and your desired level of dryness.

How do I make chewy, not crispy, dehydrated strawberries?

Slice strawberries thicker (around ¼ inch) and reduce drying time slightly. Use the lowest temperature possible and check early for a soft, flexible texture.

Can I use dried strawberries in desserts?

Absolutely! Crush and sprinkle them on yogurt, fold into muffin batter, or dip half in chocolate for a quick treat.

Is oven drying an option if I don’t have an air fryer or dehydrator?

Yes. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set your oven to its lowest temp (usually 170°F). Dry for 6–8 hours.

Can I season or sweeten strawberries before drying?

Yes! Try cinnamon, nutmeg, Stevia, or flavored sugars. Sprinkle them before drying so they stick to the slices.

Sugar substitutes like "People's brand Keto Sweetener" or Stevia work well. (Yes, that was an Amazon Affiliate link, thanks).

Can an air fryer really work as a dehydrator?

Yes, if it reaches 135°F and uses circulating air. For best results, use stackable racks and monitor dryness frequently. Arrange the fruit in a single layer and check it periodically to ensure even drying. In Sam's video, she bought a stacking wire tray rack that fits inside her Nina Foodi.

Now that you know how to dry strawberries like a pro, why stop there? Grab your free copy of 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF below—featuring easy favorites like carrot soup, minestrone soup, split pea soup, spicy beef jerky, and banana cinnamon rolls.

They're pantry-ready, delicious, and a perfect way to keep your dehydrator humming!

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